HONOLULU — More than 200 fifth and sixth-grade girls from public and private schools across the state will be on the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa campus on Saturday, Jan. 8, for an eye-opening experience into the world of math and science and the career opportunities available.

The 13th Annual Girls Engaged in Math and Science (GEMS) Conference, sponsored by the American Association of University Women and hosted by UH Mānoa, will take place at the Art Auditorium (a change from the previously scheduled Spalding Auditorium) from 8:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

A variety of workshops are planned featuring UH professors in engineering, animal science, computer science, human nutrition, and plant and environmental protection, as well as professionals from the community including the Department of Defense, The CJS Group Architects, Aloha Airlines and Ultrasound Imaging Options.

The annual conference aims to increase young women‘s interest in math and science by demonstrating the excitement and fun in learning and by emphasizing the importance of these educational areas in daily life. Organizers also hope to foster awareness of career opportunities available in the fields of math and science by providing students the opportunity to meet women working in these fields.

For more information about this year‘s conference, contact Myrtle Ching-Rappa at (808) 956-4399.